Steps
to own
The 8-step process to becoming a Clean Eatz franchisee, from your first form to joining CE Nation.
STEP INTO THE CE Nation
The Process
1
Tell Us About You
Share a few details about yourself and the market you’re interested in, then talk it through with our franchise sales representative.
2
Submit Your Application
A short application covering your background, experience and financials, so we can confirm fit on paper.
3
Get to Know the Brand
A series of discovery calls and materials that walk you through the model, the support and what ownership actually looks like.
4
Review the FDD
Receive the Franchise Disclosure Document and take the time to review it with your attorney and accountant.
5
Talk to Our Owners
Known as validation: direct, unscripted conversations with current Clean Eatz owners about what the day to day really looks like.
6
Discovery Day
Come to Wilmington, meet the departments behind the brand, and see the operation for yourself.
7
Sign On
Sign your franchise agreement and officially join CE Nation.
8
Find Your Site
Begin site selection with our real estate and construction support behind you.
Who Qualifies
The Ideal Background
You don’t need every box checked. Experience helps, mission alignment matters most.
Restaurant management experience
You’ve run a floor, a team and a P&L.
Fitness or health & wellness concepts
Gyms, studios, nutrition or coaching backgrounds translate well.
Manufacturing experience
Process and volume thinking fits our meal-prep model.
Military experience, E-5 or above
Service members at E-5 rank or above qualify for reduced franchise fees and favorable financing terms.
Values and mission alignment
Heart-driven to change livez. This one isn’t optional.
Once You Sign On
Training & Support
You’re never running it alone. Clean Eatz backs every owner with systems, people and a playbook. to: Every owner gets the same thing: real training, a documented system, and a team that answers the phone.
On-Site Learning
10 Days at HQ
Corporate training in Wilmington covering operations, food, and the Clean Eatz system end to end.
Brand, Systems & Training
On Demand Training
Operating standards, recipes and daily checklists in one place, updated as the brand evolves.
OPENING WEEK
Grand Opening Support
On-site help through your opening week so day one runs like day one hundred.
ONGOING SUPPORT
Ops & Marketing Team
Ongoing support from Operations and Marketing, campaigns, tools and coaching after launch.
Ready to Change Livez?
Let’s talk about what a Clean Eatz could look like in your market.
no such thing as dumb questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps to become a Clean Eatz franchisee?
There are eight. (1) Tell us about yourself and the market you’re interested in, then talk it through on an introductory call with a member of our franchise development team. (2) Submit an application covering your background, experience and financials so we can confirm fit on paper. (3) Get to know the brand through a series of discovery calls and materials. (4) Receive the Franchise Disclosure Document and review it with your attorney and accountant. (5) Validation, meaning direct conversations with existing Clean Eatz franchisees about running the business day to day. (6) Attend a Discovery Day in Wilmington, North Carolina. (7) Sign your franchise agreement. (8) Begin site selection.
What is validation and why does it matter?
Validation is when you speak directly with people already operating Clean Eatz cafés. It’s the most important step in the process. Existing franchisees will tell you what the day-to-day actually looks like, the good and the hard parts, in a way no brochure or sales call can. It takes place after you’ve received the Franchise Disclosure Document, so you can ask informed questions about what you’ve read.
What happens at Discovery Day?
Discovery Day is your visit to Clean Eatz headquarters in Wilmington, North Carolina. You’ll meet the departments and people who will support you, see the operation up close, and get your remaining questions answered before any commitment. It’s designed so you walk in informed and walk out clear either way.
What is the Franchise Disclosure Document?
The FDD is the legally required document detailing the franchise relationship: fees, initial investment, obligations, financial performance data (Item 19), the franchise agreement, and a list of existing franchisees you can contact. Reviewing it is a central part of your due diligence.
How long does the process take?
The discovery process itself typically runs over a focused span of weeks once you’re engaged. Time from signing to opening depends on real estate and build-out in your specific market. We’ll give you a realistic timeline for your situation as we go.
Does it cost anything to explore a Clean Eatz franchise?
No. Introductory calls, discovery conversations, reviewing the FDD, validation, and Discovery Day cost nothing. Financial commitment comes only when you sign a franchise agreement.
Do I have to live in the market where I open?
Yes. Clean Eatz looks for owners who live within roughly a one-hour drive of their café. Local ownership means you can be present for your team, your customers, and the community relationships that drive the business. It isn’t designed as an absentee investment.
What is the first step?
Filling out the short form on this page. From there a member of our franchise development team reaches out for an introductory call. It’s a conversation, not a pitch. The goal is to help you decide whether this is worth exploring further.
Make Clean Eatz Your Future